danielle pasternak | scranton wedding coordinator and wedding planner

Just Julia | On Enjoying the Moment

03.29.2012 / Etsy Finds / 2 comments

A few weeks ago, we introduced you to our new assistant, Julia, who is also a December bride. After that, she talked to us about the decisions of seating charts vs. escort cards. Today, I wanted to share a story that she sent to me about “enjoying the moment”. It’s something that I believe we all struggle with from time to time, and hopefully it reminds you to take a step back and evaluate.

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From Julia:

I don’t know about any of you but this gorgeous weather sure has gotten me out of the house and in a pretty spectacular mood.  There’s nothing quite like driving down the road, blaring some 90s pop and belting along at the top of your lungs.  I was doing just that the other day and I didn’t think there was anything that could bring me down – until I hit every single red light on the road.  And not only did I hit these red lights, but I got stuck behind these awful slow drivers who didn’t know that as soon as the light switched they needed to giddy up.  Green means go drivers!

It was at one of these infamous red lights, stuck behind one of these awful motorists, when I had a revelation.  Just enjoy the moment Julia!  Not only are you healthy, have a car to drive around, are surrounded by incredible friends and family members, and the weather has been breathtaking – you have found an incredible man who loves you to the moon – why try rushing through life when you should be slowing down and enjoying it?

maybe we should snag this beauty from etsy seller, onelifejewelry

I am smack dab in the middle of planning my special day and I can honestly tell you not a day goes by where I don’t wake up and rush to my computer to check my Knot countdown (as if the number that greets me would be anything other than one less than the day before!).  I’ve gotten so caught up in checking things off my to-do list that I feel like I’ve missed out on so many incredible moments, moments I should’ve been enjoying.  So that is my advice to you, fellow fabulous brides: when you’re getting so stressed out and are absolutely hating the whole wedding planning process, take a second and remember why you’re putting yourself through all this.  Soon you will be a happy Mrs. and I encourage you to enjoy every second leading up to that day (and every second after)!

And I would like to remind you that one fool-proof way of being able to enjoy your wedding day and the entire planning process is by working with Danielle Pasternak.  So give us a call and say “hello” to peace-of-mind.

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That being said, ENJOY your Thursday everyone!

xo,

2 comments
  • Katie @ Lovebird Productions March 29, 2012 4:04 pm

    It is always nice to hear brides advice. Julia’s advice is even better because it applies to every day life. Such a treat :)

  • Stephanie Elizabeth {Fab You Bliss} April 4, 2012 1:04 am

    Really, really great advice…for wedding planning and for life :-)

    • Vote to send Danielle to this year’s Backstage Bridal Pro Academy

    03.29.2012 / Inspiration + Ideas / one comment

    Today, I’m asking you for a favor. I recently entered a scholarship contest to attend a educational workshop this Fall out in California. The program is called Backstage Bridal Pro Academy and it’s offering a 4-day experience full of courses, learning, networking, growing and all-around greatness.

    The contest was to create a photo shoot based around the words “Fabulous + Graceful”. The shoot had to include some type of sparkle and we couldn’t spend more than $500.

    With the help and collaboration of several local (and amazing) creatives, we came up with a great concept that I’m truly proud of. The team consisted of Kim Winey taking the beautiful photos and Maggpie Vintage Rentals providing the space and the stunning props and furniture. Kristy Rice of Momental Designs provided creative stationery, Central Park Flowers donated a beautiful centerpiece and bouquet, and Julie of Frosted made some super-cute mini-cakes and cake pops. She also made us some cupcakes to take home that I squeezed into the shoot because they were awesome! My kick-butt Mom also made some delish cookies for our Milk+Cookies station and my assistants, Audra and Julia, were a HUGE help all day. Kim was also able to invite two of her previous clients, Emma and Paxton, to be our mini- bride and groom – who were ADORABLE!!

    To see more of our shoot and (most importantly) cast your vote - head over the BBPro blog and simply leave a comment. As of the moment I’m writing this, we’re at 120 votes and I’m so proud of that. Voting closes Thursday, March 29th at Midnight EST and counts towards 20% of the final decision. The winner will be announced on Monday, April 2nd so make sure you head over and leave your thoughts!

    xo,

    one comment
  • Mike March 29, 2012 3:55 am

    Love the new site!!! Very modern and sheik!!!

    • Etsy Find: and a perfect gift for your bridesmaids (oh, and yourself)

    03.03.2012 / Etsy Finds / no comments

    For those of you that have been in the bridesmaid seat before, you know the role is one of honor, laughter, and responsibility. As a bride, it’s important to thank your girls for standing up for you on your wedding day as it is something of major importance. With some creativity, I think you can create a really fun gift bag with these beauty goodies from Le Petit Refuge. Le Petit Refuge offers body scrubs, lotions, and more for your skin’s glowing desires.

     

    Think of it like this: as your bridesmaid, they are going to be in quite a few pictures on your wedding day. And you want them looking fresh and great, right? Treat them with a goodie bag full of loveliness a few weeks before the big day. Include a sweet note with “Bride’s Tips for Beautiful Skin”. Maybe add a tagline of “do it… or else.” Put your favorite beauty routines on a list and ensure them beautiful skin for the day of your wedding.

    Of course, to ensure that they don’t look more stunningly amazing than you, be sure to order yourself some goodies, too!

    no comments

    Oscars Red Carpet 2012: Favorites and Fabulousness

    02.26.2012 / Inspiration + Ideas / no comments

    Watching the Oscars is something that I will always love more for the fashion than anything else. It’s one of the most glamorous nights in Hollywood and I love when people pull out all the stops.

    Below are some of my absolute favorites from the Red Carpet… (photos from justjared)

    First and probably my most favorite all-around look is the fabulous Kristen Wiig. Kristen wore a gorgeous, nude J. Mendel dress will jewels from Neil Lane. This dress would work for a bride or a bridesmaid (no pun intended)… but really. Her hair is natural and dark (love it!). Some were saying that the look was too casual, but I really thought it was just right.

    Michelle Williams’ look was a top-favorite mostly because of her haircut. This is the first time I’m seeing it and I love it on her! Plus, her coral/salmon/not-red Luis Vuitton dress was great on her. Loving that neckline for her.

    Octavia Spencer was sporting a lovely Tadashi Shoji that just screamed elegance. The beading was beyond flattering and her poise just radiated through. Bravo.

    This Valentino Couture dress on Shailene Woodley was just breathtaking. Some said it was too “old” for her, but she said that it was a dress that was essentially her. Either way, the shape, color, and dynamic of this dress gave me goosebumps. Can’t wait to see the bridal gowns that will emerge from this look!

    Finally, Kate Mara looked rather sexy, too in a beautiful blush dress with a GORGEOUS one-shoulder detail.

    I also LOVED Gwyneth Paltrow’s white cape number, Penelope Cruz’s blue (and amazingly tailored) dress, as well as Cameron Diaz in her beautiful blush dress and kick-butt short hair. What were some of your favorites?

    Also, how did you feel about the Sasha/Seacrest incident? I wasn’t a fan. It’s one thing to be a character and ham it up, but it crossed the line of respect, in my opinion.

    cheers and love,

    no comments

    Good enough.

    02.21.2012 / Inspiration + Ideas / no comments

    As a direct by-product of my amazing mother, I have the same “tendencies” when it comes to accomplishing things off my to-do list. If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it right. Especially when it comes to my clients and their wedding day. Therefore, “good enough is never good enough” might be the quote of the day, but it’s also something that’s always in the back (or front) of my mind.

    What does it mean to you?

    no comments

    From Julia: Seating Charts vs. Escort Cards

    02.21.2012 / Inspiration + Ideas / 3 comments

    Every so often, you’re going to be seeing a new face on the blog talking about her own upcoming wedding, adventures, tips and fun finds. We introduced you to Julia before and now she’s here to talk about the pros and cons of seating charts vs. escort cards.

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    ok, how gorgeous is this table from mindy+mark’s wedding? photo by swoon over it.

    If you brides are anything like me then in the days leading up to your big day you’re investing much of your energy thinking about all the special little details.  And, like me, I’m sure you feel like you’ve thought of everything from your somethings old, new, borrowed and blue down to your day-by-day honeymoon itinerary.  So when I was perusing the blogosphere and stumbled upon some adorable seating chart options and then I saw these really cute themed escort cards, I suddenly realized I had yet to hammer out one very important detail.

    Deciding who sits where and with whom at your reception may not matter much to you, but trust me, this is one part of your wedding you should put some serious thought into it.  If the wrong people sit together you could have one big reception fiasco that would totally distract from you and your groom. I suggest you take care of this potential problem before it occurs and give your guests some structure as to where they belong.  And if you can’t decide between seating charts and escort cards, here are a few thoughts that may sway you in the right direction.

    Seating Charts

    I love the idea of seating charts because I tend to be a little obsessive about having things simple and organized.  Seating charts can be done up however you want and you can even connect it with your theme. Some photographers even offer the option of having your favorite engagement shot as the focal point of your seating chart.   If you’re one for order, alphabetizing, and minimal expected chaos, then this is the way for you.

    PROS: Organized, simple, themed, easy for guests to find seat

    CONS: Less fun/interactive for guests, guests don’t get to take your chart home as a keepsake

    Escort Cards

    Escort cards are great because they give couples the chance to show their style and incorporate the wedding theme.  If you’re having a winter wedding (like me!) then here’s one cute option that allows you to spread some of your holiday cheer. Guests can really enjoy escort cards (and you can have fun making them!) but keep in mind the potential headache for guests as the awkwardly stand by the entrance searching through 100+ little cards desperately trying to find where they should sit.

    PROS: Really show off your personality/creativity, easy to tie into your theme, guests can enjoy their place cards even after the reception is over

    CONS: Guests may have a hard time finding their cards

    Now that you’ve seen what some of your options are, how do you plan on directing your guests to their appropriate tables?

    {first two photos by swoon over it, last photo from pinterest/green wedding shoes}

    3 comments
  • Anna February 22, 2012 10:27 am

    Another pro for escort cards (why we’re using them), is to show a meal choice for a served dinner reception! We’re using little stamps to denote which individual is getting which meal. Should be pretty cute!

  • Malia {Something Navy} February 22, 2012 1:01 pm

    Such a great article you have hear, I love hearing the pros & cons. I’ve been in debate, if I wanted to do a seating chart/escort cards for various reasons. But this brings a lot of things to light, decisions, decisions, decisions.

  • Just Julia | On Enjoying the Moment | Danielle Pasternak April 7, 2012 4:32 pm

    [...] Julia, who is also a December bride. After that, she talked to us about the decisions of seating charts vs. escort cards. Today, I wanted to share a story that she sent to me about “enjoying the moment”. [...]

    • Etsy Find: a stunning engagement ring from singleBbeautiful

    02.17.2012 / Etsy Finds / one comment

    I only recently started crushing on engagement rings via my Pinterest board: beautiful rocks. I’ve never been much of a large diamond/bling lover myself, so I’m very excited to start seeing some unique finds and creations.

    Below is a stunning combination from Etsy seller singleBbeautiful with the following details: 14kt palladium white gold, .30ct HVS1 diamond, ideal cut. Really anything that involves conflict-free stones is pretty awesome in my book.

    Enjoy your weekend everyone. xo.

    one comment
  • Stephanie Elizabeth February 20, 2012 1:01 pm

    These are really cool! I love finding unique sets as well.

    • Vendor Spotlight: SimplYouDesigns

    02.15.2012 / Inspiration + Ideas / one comment

    Just by chance, Jessica Siegfried of SimplYouDesigns and I ran into each other on Etsy a few years ago. After some conversations and meetings, I discovered that Jessica is not only stunning on the outside, but just as beautiful on the inside.

    How could I not share all of her awesome-ness with you all? Enjoy.

    love session photo of jessica and her hubby, jason – by dolci momenti photography.

    1. Hello! Who are you?

    My name is Jessica Siegfried… Born and raised in Dunmore, and based out of Northeast PA, I specialize in affordable custom wedding stationary. Each one of my designs are made to order. Everything is personalized to you… paper, inks, envelopes, embellishments. If you envision it, I’ll make it happen!

    2. Who or what got you started in the industry? 

    My entire life I have been smitten with weddings. When I was little, I spent my afternoons in my father’s tuxedo shop. My mother would sew beautiful bridal purses and wedding bags, and I’d stand in awe as she’d hem the gowns of my older cousins in our kitchen. I fed my wedding obsession working my way through college as an assistant wedding photographer, designing invites for family and friends, and even did a few stints as a bridal model along the way.

    Years later, in 2006, I got engaged and my inner Bride-zilla broke loose! I was determined to do it my way all while sticking to our budget. Everything was to be a reflection of us, so I did it all myself. I realized that I was lucky to be able to do that… and decided to offer my services others via Etsy. Every bride is unique, so their stationary should be also! Plus, My husband said I was suffering from “wedding withdrawl” and needed an outlet for all the extra time I had after our wedding! lol

    3. What is your favorite part about being in the wedding world?

    There’s soo much!! The beauty, the excitement, the glamour, the love… the hope of a new bride to be.

    4. Besides weddings, are there any other special events that you service?

    I do! (No pun intended!) I actually have extended my services to include all special events, along with a commercial division. So now I accommodate anything from a billboard to a birth announcement, business to holiday cards and everything in between.

    5. Where do you go to be inspired? 

    I’m a huge fan of Green Wedding Shoes, and I love DIY sites and Etsy…Real Simple Weddings is a favorite of mine, and Martha Stewart (of course!).

    6. What sets you apart from other fellow professionals? 

    Even though my designs are made custom for you, they come with an affordable price tag. I understand that in order to have your dream wedding/dress/band/etc. you might not be ready to drop beaucoup bucks on stationary. There’s no reason why a bride on a budget shouldn’t have their visions brought to life by an award-winning designer.

    7. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, widowed… we all have words of advice when it comes to relationships. What is your advice to couples tying the knot?

    Remember to stop and BREATHE. Some people get so caught up in the planning that they forget to enjoy this monumental moment. Don’t think of it as a to-do list, rushing through to what’s next. You have your whole life ahead of you, together… Don’t forget to stop and enjoy THIS time.

    8. Aside from weddings, what are some other little known things about you?

    I’m an award-winning Art Director at a full-service advertising agency in Scranton and am in my second term as the President of the American Advertising Federation, NEPA. Oh, and I’m obsessed with Pit Bulls. In June of 2009, a fat little pit pup named Lola entered our lives and stole our hearts. As an effort to help promote and support the breed I do pro-bono design work with some of the local Pit Bull Rescues throughout NEPA. This summer I plan to launch an apparel shop on etsy named “Pittie Chicks” featuring feminine apparel and donate a portion of each sale.

    photo by the fabulous alison conklin.

    Get in touch with Jessica:

    email: Simplyou.design@yahoo.com
    web: simplyoudesign.com
    shop: simplyoudesign.etsy.com
    facebook: facebook.com/SimplYou.Design

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    SimplYouDesigns, Dolci Momenti Photography and Alison Conklin are all highly recommended creative professionals of Danielle Pasternak Events.

    one comment
  • Nicole Langan February 16, 2012 9:38 am

    Yay, Jess! :)

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